This theme benefits from existing expertise in basic science focusing on cell biology, vascular pathophysiology and neuroinflammation. Areas of interest include the maternal influence on fetal cerebrovascular development, the effects of diabetes and anti-diabetic drugs on models of tauopathy and the toxicity of different tau species to aid a molecular level understanding of dementia biology. The theme has expertise in neuronal and glial biology, cerebrovascular drainage pathways and the role of neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration, brain ageing and dementia.

The theme already works across disciplines, including mathematics, computer science, clinical services (neurosurgery, neurology, cardiothoracic surgery and anaesthetics) and the pharmaceutical industry, making use of biofilm, millifluidics, mass spectrometry and imaging facilities available in Southampton. There are many established national and international collaborations in place. The theme is well represented at international meetings with many emerging insights in the field related to immunological and vascular mechanisms emerging from work in Southampton.